Deck Removal Dumpster Size Guide: 10-Yard vs 20-Yard Calculator
Removing an old deck? Choose the right dumpster size based on deck dimensions, material type, and structural components. Our expert guide helps you avoid overpaying while ensuring adequate capacity.
Most Common Size
Sizing by Deck Size
10-Yard Dumpster: Small Deck Removal
Perfect For:
- • Decks up to 200 square feet
- • Basic rectangular decks
- • Composite or lightweight materials
- • Single-level ground decks
Capacity Details:
- • Holds 3-4 pickup truck loads
- • Typical deck: 10x20 feet or smaller
- • Weight limit: 1-2 tons
- • Most cost-effective for small projects
Dimensions: 14' × 7.5' × 3.5' | Cost: $300-$500
20-Yard Dumpster: Medium Deck Removal
Perfect For:
- • Decks 200-400 square feet
- • Multi-level or L-shaped decks
- • Decks with stairs and railings
- • Pressure-treated lumber
Capacity Details:
- • Holds 6 pickup truck loads
- • Typical deck: 15x25 feet
- • Weight limit: 2-3 tons
- • Most popular deck removal size
Dimensions: 22' × 8' × 4.5' | Cost: $350-$650
30-Yard Dumpster: Large Deck Removal
Perfect For:
- • Decks over 400 square feet
- • Wraparound or complex designs
- • Decks with hot tubs or built-ins
- • Multiple deck structures
Capacity Details:
- • Holds 9-12 pickup truck loads
- • Can handle up to 750 sq ft decks
- • Weight limit: 3-4 tons
- • Room for unexpected debris
Dimensions: 22' × 8' × 6' | Cost: $450-$800
✅ Perfect For:
- •Small deck removal up to 200 square feet
- •Medium deck removal 200-400 square feet
- •Large deck demolition over 400 square feet
- •Multi-level deck structures with stairs
- •Both wood and composite decking materials
- •Complete teardown including substructure
❌ Too Large For:
- •Small deck repair projects - just patch materials
- •Railing replacement only (no decking removal)
- •Single board replacements
20 Yard Dumpster Pricing by Market
Pricing Note: The prices shown are general market estimates based on industry averages as of October 2025. Actual costs vary significantly by city, disposal fees, local competition, and debris type. These ranges are for reference only—always get quotes from local providers for accurate pricing in your area.
| Market Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major Metro (SF, NYC, Boston) | $473-$878 | High disposal fees, strict regulations |
| Mid-Size Cities | $385-$715 | Moderate costs and competition |
| Small Towns | $333-$618 | Lower overhead, less competition |
| Rural Areas | $280-$520 | Lower disposal fees, longer haul distances |
Key Factors That Determine Dumpster Size
1. Deck Square Footage
Measure your deck's length × width for the main surface. For multi-level decks, measure each level separately and add them together.
Quick Sizing Rule:
- • Under 200 sq ft: 10-yard dumpster
- • 200-400 sq ft: 20-yard dumpster
- • Over 400 sq ft: 30-yard dumpster
- • Multi-level decks: Add 25% capacity for stairs and supports
2. Material Type and Weight
Lighter Materials
- • Composite decking: Lighter, more compact
- • Cedar/Pine: Moderate weight
- • Vinyl: Very lightweight
- • Can fill dumpster to capacity without weight concerns
Heavier Materials
- • Pressure-treated: Heavier when older, waterlogged
- • Hardwood (Ipe, Mahogany): Very dense
- • Concrete footings: Extremely heavy
- • May hit weight limit before filling dumpster
3. Structural Components
Don't underestimate the substructure! The supporting framework adds significant volume and weight to your project.
What's Included in Substructure:
- • Joists and support beams (typically 2x8 or 2x10 lumber)
- • Deck posts and footings
- • Stairs, stringers, and treads
- • Railing posts, balusters, and top rails
- • Hardware, fasteners, and metal brackets
Pro tip: Substructure can double your debris volume. If your deck surface needs a 10-yard, plan for a 20-yard to include the framework.
Special Disposal Considerations
⚠️ Pressure-Treated Lumber Disposal
Pressure-treated wood can go in dumpsters but requires proper disposal at approved landfills. Never burn treated wood - it releases toxic arsenic and other chemicals.
- Pre-2003 CCA-treated wood contains arsenic and chromium
- Modern ACQ treatments are safer but still regulated
- Confirm your dumpster company accepts treated lumber
- Some landfills charge additional fees for treated wood
♻️ Recyclable Materials
Clean, untreated wood can often be recycled or donated to reduce disposal costs:
- • Cedar and redwood can be repurposed for smaller projects
- • Metal brackets, hangers, and railings have scrap value
- • Some recycling centers accept clean lumber for mulch
- • Habitat for Humanity may accept reusable materials
❌ Cannot Go in Dumpster
- • Paint cans, stains, and sealers
- • Propane tanks (grill hookups)
- • Batteries from solar deck lights
- • Electronics (if deck had sound system)
- • Hazardous chemicals or cleaners
Cost Breakdown & Money-Saving Tips
Typical Rental Costs
Perfect for small decks under 200 sq ft
Most popular for 200-400 sq ft decks
Large decks over 400 sq ft
*Prices vary by location. Urban areas and West Coast typically 15-25% higher.
Money-Saving Strategies
- ✓ Cut boards into 4-foot sections - Maximizes space, may reduce dumpster size needed
- ✓ Remove all hardware first - Screws, nails, and brackets can be scrapped for cash
- ✓ Choose the right size - Oversizing wastes $100-200, undersizing requires second rental
- ✓ Load strategically - Heavy beams on bottom, fill gaps with smaller pieces
- ✓ Schedule during off-peak - Fall and winter rentals often cost 10-15% less
Watch Out for Additional Fees
- • Overage charges: $50-$100 per ton over weight limit
- • Extended rental: $10-$50 per day beyond included period
- • Street placement permit: $10-$150 (if not on your property)
- • Special disposal fees: Some areas charge extra for treated lumber
Deck Removal Process & Timeline
Step-by-Step Removal Guide
Order Dumpster & Prepare Site
Schedule delivery 1-2 days before starting. Clear access path for dumpster placement. Gather tools: reciprocating saw, pry bar, drill, safety gear.
Timeline: Day before project
Remove Deck Boards
Start with surface decking. Unscrew or pry up boards. Cut into 4-foot sections immediately for efficient loading. Work systematically across the deck.
Timeline: 4-8 hours for medium deck
Remove Railings & Stairs
Take down railings, balusters, and stair systems. These components can be bulky, so break them down before loading. Save hardware separately if recyclable.
Timeline: 2-4 hours
Dismantle Substructure
Remove joists, beams, and ledger boards. This is the most labor-intensive part. Cut joists between posts. Remove posts and footings last if required.
Timeline: 6-10 hours for medium deck
Final Cleanup & Pickup
Load remaining debris, sweep area, check for dropped nails/screws. Schedule dumpster pickup once full or project complete (usually within 7-10 day rental period).
Timeline: 1-2 hours
Total Timeline Estimates:
- • Small deck (under 200 sq ft): 1 day with 2 people
- • Medium deck (200-400 sq ft): 2 days with 2 people
- • Large deck (400+ sq ft): 3-4 days with 2 people
- • Professional crews: 1-2 days regardless of size
Real Project Examples with Exact Calculations
These examples show complete calculations for common projects. Use them as templates for estimating your own project's disposal needs.
Case Study: 300 sq ft Two-Level Deck
Project: Complete removal including stairs and railings
- • Main deck: 12' × 20' (240 sq ft)
- • Lower landing: 6' × 10' (60 sq ft)
- • One set of stairs (8 steps)
- • Pressure-treated pine, 15 years old
- • 20-yard dumpster used
- • Filled to 90% capacity
- • Total cost: $425
- • Completed in 2 days
Case Study: 500 sq ft Wraparound Deck
Project: Large deck removal with hot tub platform
- • Main deck: 16' × 24' (384 sq ft)
- • Side deck: 10' × 12' (120 sq ft)
- • Hot tub platform removed
- • Cedar decking with composite railings
- • 30-yard dumpster used
- • Filled to 85% capacity
- • Total cost: $625
- • Completed in 3 days with 2 people
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 20-yard dumpster cost?
How much does a 30-yard dumpster cost?
How long can I keep a dumpster?
What can't go in a dumpster?
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in my driveway?
Ready to Size Your Project?
Use our free calculator to find the perfect dumpster size